Graphics display

ABSTRACT

A graphics display of the present invention has a support with a curved forward surface for supporting one or more flexible sheets having graphics depicted thereon. At least one generally transparent flexibly resilient retaining cover is mounted for movement between a first position away from the support to permit the one or more flexible sheets to be positioned on the curved forward surface and a sheet retaining position in which the at least one cover is resiliently flexed to have a configuration in which it holds the one or more flexible sheets against the curved forward surface of the support. Also, the graphics display may have a support and at least one holder for holding one or more graphic sheets in a curved configuration in which the graphic sheet(s) are in contact with the curved forward surface of the support. The graphics display may have a light system for illuminating the one or more graphics sheets that is moveable between an operative position and a collapsed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/502,082 filed Sep. 11, 2003, and 60/493,751filed Aug. 8, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an improved graphics display.

Food service establishments and other businesses have menu boards orsignage assemblies that display information regarding items that areavailable for purchase by patrons of such establishments. Theinformation displayed on the signage assemblies may include the type,size, and/or price of the food or other products that are available forpurchase at the establishment. Frequently, customers of a food serviceestablishment form their initial impressions of the establishment basedon visual observations of the signage assemblies that displayinformation from which the customer makes their purchasing decision.Therefore, it is important that menu boards and other signage assemblieseffectively convey product information to consumers in a manner thatpromotes positive impressions of the establishment. Also, it isimportant, particularly in fast food restaurants, that the productinformation is clearly displayed to a potential customer so that thecustomers can quickly locate and read the applicable information so thattheir menu choice is made in an expeditious manner to speed up theordering process.

Signage assemblies or display boards are costly to purchase and maintainand often require multiple inserts or display sign boards that must bediscarded and replaced with every menu change. One common signage designutilizes magnetic attraction or other adhesives to attach a transparentcover to a backsheet with a menu board or other information sheet heldtherebetween. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,308,446 and 4,531,320,incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, show typical signageassemblies utilizing a magnetic back sheet and magnetically attractivetop sheet. Such existing signage assemblies require menu boards withmagnetically attractive coatings that are costly to manufacture. Thehigh cost of the menu boards of existing signage designs increasesoperating costs of a restaurant or other establishment that desires tomake menu changes. Therefore, a need exists for a graphics display thatis easy to manufacture and less expensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provisionof an improved display for displaying graphics, such as menu boards infood establishments; the provision of such a display which illuminatesgraphics in the display for easy viewing; the provision of such adisplay that allows modular assembly of adjacent displays; the provisionof such a graphics display that simplifies manufacture; the provision ofsuch a display that allows easy removal and installation of graphics;and the provision of such a display that has an attractive appearance.

In general, a graphics display of the present invention comprises asupport having a curved forward surface for supporting one or moreflexible sheets having graphics depicted thereon. At least one generallytransparent flexibly resilient retaining cover is mounted for movementbetween a first position away from the support to permit the one or moreflexible sheets to be positioned on said curved forward surface and asecond sheet retaining position in which the at least one cover isresiliently flexed to have a configuration in which it holds the one ormore flexible sheets against the curved forward surface of the support.

In another aspect of the invention, the graphics display comprises asupport having a curved forward surface for supporting one or moregraphics sheets having graphics thereon. At least one holder holds theone or more graphics sheets in a curved configuration in which the oneor more graphics sheets are in contact with the curved forward surfaceof the support.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the graphics display comprises asupport having a curved forward surface for supporting one or moregraphics sheets having graphics thereon and a frame for mounting thesupport on a wall. A light system is mounted on the frame forilluminating the one or more graphics sheets. The light system ismoveable between an operative position in which the light system ispositioned for illuminating the one or more graphics sheets and acollapsed position for storage and transport of the graphics display.

In another aspect of the invention, the graphics display comprises asupport having a curved forward surface for supporting one or moregraphics sheets having graphics depicted thereon and a frame formounting the support on a wall. The frame has a housing and at least onemounting bracket adjustable on the housing for mounting the housing atdifferent angles of tilt to facilitate viewing of the one or moregraphics sheets.

In another aspect of the invention, an assembly comprises a firstgraphics display having a support for supporting one or more flexiblesheets having graphics depicted thereon and a frame for mounting thefirst graphics display on a wall. A second graphics display has asupport for supporting one or more flexible sheets having graphicsdepicted thereon and a frame for mounting the second graphics display onthe wall generally adjacent the first graphics display. The frame of thefirst graphics display and the frame of the second graphics displaycomprise respective side panels that are configured to telescoperelative to one another upon mounting of the first and second graphicsdisplays side by side on the wall.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation illustrating a person viewing a wall-mountedgraphics display of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the graphics display of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along plane 3—3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 3 showing a top holder of thegraphics display;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 3 showing a bottom holder of thegraphics display;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective of the graphics display;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the graphics display;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective of the graphics display with graphicssheets and retaining covers removed therefrom;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective of a housing removed from the graphicsdisplay;

FIG. 10 is front perspective of a support removed from the graphicsdisplay;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective of a frame mounting bracket removed fromthe graphics display;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective of the graphics display mounted on thewall;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective of two graphics displays mounted side byside on the wall;

FIG. 14 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of the graphicsdisplay of the present invention;

FIG. 14A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 14 showing a top holder of thegraphics display;

FIG. 14B is an enlarged portion of FIG. 14 showing a bottom holder ofthe graphics display;

FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the second embodiment showing a lightsystem attached to the graphics display;

FIG. 16A is a view similar to FIG. 14 but showing a cover in a firstposition away from a support and a graphics sheet being inserted betweenthe cover and the support;

FIG. 16B is a view similar to FIG. 16A but showing the graphics sheetinserted into a top holder;

FIG. 16C is a view similar to FIG. 16B but showing the graphics sheetinserted into the top holder and the bottom holder;

FIG. 16D is a view similar to FIG. 16C but showing the cover movedtowards the support and a bottom portion of the cover positioned forinsertion into the bottom holder;

FIG. 16E is a view similar to FIG. 16D but showing the cover received inthe bottom holder;

FIG. 16F is a view similar to FIG. 16E but showing the cover in aholding position in contact with the graphics sheet;

FIG. 17 is a cross-section of a third embodiment of the graphics displayof the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 17 showing a top holder of thegraphics display;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 17 showing a bottom holder of thegraphics display;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation of a graphics display showing a firstembodiment of a moveable light system of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial side perspective of the graphics display of FIG. 20illustrating the light system in an operative position;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 but showing the light system in acollapsed position;

FIG. 23A-23C are enlarged partial elevation views showing movement ofthe light system from the operative position to the collapsed position;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective of the graphics display with the lightsystem in the operative position;

FIG. 25 is a partial side perspective of a graphics display having asecond embodiment of the light system shown in the operative position;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are enlarged partial elevation views showing movementof the light system of FIG. 25 from the operative position to thecollapsed position;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective of the graphics display with the lightsystem of FIG. 25 shown in the operative position;

FIG. 27A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 27 showing a portion of an armof the light system received in a channel; and

FIG. 27B is an exploded perspective of FIG. 27A.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a graphicsdisplay of the present invention, designated in its entirety by thereference numeral 1. The display is illustrated as being mounted on awall W and located above a counter C for displaying graphics (e.g., asign or other printed matter) intended to be viewed by a customer orother person P in a restaurant or other establishment. It will beunderstood that the display 1 of the present invention is particularlyuseful for displaying restaurant menu information, but that the displaycan also be used to display other types of information.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the display 1 comprises a frame 11 for mountingthe graphics display on a wall W (FIG. 1) or other surface. (The wall isillustrated as being vertical, but this is not essential.) A curvedsupport 13 comprising, in one embodiment, a generally rigid backing ismounted on the frame 11 and has a forward surface 17 (FIG. 10) forsupporting one or more flexible sheets 21 having graphics depicted(e.g., printed) thereon. A light system, generally indicated 25, ismounted on the frame 11 for illuminating the flexible sheets 21supported by the backing 13. In one embodiment, the graphics display 1has two flexibly resilient retaining panels or covers 29 mounted on thedisplay. Each retaining cover 29 holds one or more respective flexiblegraphics sheets 21 against the curved forward surface 17 of the backing13. It will be understood that the graphics display 1 could comprise oneflexible graphics sheet 21 and one flexibly resilient cover 29 or thegraphics display could comprise more than two flexible graphics sheetsand covers without departing from the scope of this invention. Asdiscussed below in more detail, the transparent flexibly resilient cover29 is movable between a first position away from the backing 13 topermit one or more flexible sheets 21 to be positioned on the curvedsurface 17 of the backing and a sheet retaining position in which thecover is resiliently flexed to hold the flexible sheet against thecurved forward surface of the backing.

As seen in FIGS. 2-7, the frame 11 comprises two side panels (end caps)35 attached to a housing (shell), generally indicated 39, by arespective top mounting bracket 43 (FIG. 6) and respective bottommounting bracket (not shown). As shown in FIG. 6, each side panel 35 hasa front vertical flange 45 projecting laterally outward from the paneland a rear vertical flange 46 projecting laterally inward from the panelfor attachment to the housing 39. In the illustrated embodiment, theright-hand side panel 35, as viewed in FIG. 2, is sized slightly smallerthan the left-hand side panel and the front vertical flange 45 of theright-hand side panel is spaced closer to the rear flange 46, so thatwhen multiple graphics displays are mounted side by side the frontflanges of adjacent displays can telescope past one another wheninstalled. The resulting overlap of the front flanges 45 of adjacentdisplays aids in hiding gaps during installation that may result fromirregular mounting surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the housing39 has a vertical back wall 47 forming the back wall of the graphicsdisplay, a top wall 51 extending generally horizontally forward from theback wall adjacent is upper end, and a lip 55 which angles up andforward at the front edge of the top wall.

As shown in FIG. 5, the back wall 47 of the housing 39 has a lowerportion comprising a series of bends that form a bottom holder,generally designated 59, for holding the bottom portions of the backing13, flexible graphics sheet 21 and retaining cover 29. The bottom holder59 has an inclined surface or shelf 63 which supports the lower edges ofthe backing 13, flexible graphics sheet 21 and flexibly resilientretaining cover 29, and an upright back surface 67 extending up from theshelf for contact by a rear face 71 of the backing. As shown in FIG. 9,the upright surface 67 of the bottom holder 59 has holes 75 thatcorrespond with holes in the support 13 to allow access to the flexibleresilient graphics sheet 21 from the back of the holder. The angledshelf 63 of the bottom holder 59 is configured for holding the flexiblyresilient cover 29 in its sheet retaining position in which it holds theflexible graphics sheet 21 against the curved forward surface 17 of thebacking 13.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the frame 11 includes two mounting brackets,generally designated 83, that are connected to the housing 39 formounting the graphics display 1 on a wall W (FIG. 1) or other surface.Each mounting bracket 83 is adjustable on the housing 39 for mountingthe housing at different angles of tilt to facilitate viewing of thegraphic sheets 21 (FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, each bracket 83comprises a flat bar 87 extending vertically on the back wall 47 of thehousing 39. The bars 87 are formed with mounting holes 91 for mountingthe assembly 1 on a desired surface (e.g., wall W in FIG. 1). Thebrackets 83 have upper flanges 95 which overlie the top wall 51 of thehousing 39. The upper flanges 95 are formed with downturned lips 99 thatare received in selected slots 103 in the top wall 51 of the housing 39.As shown in FIG. 7, the top wall 51 of the housing 39 has two rows offive parallel slots 103 for receiving the downturned lips 99 of thebrackets 83 to provide the desired spacing of the graphics display 1from the wall W. The lips 99 of the brackets 83 are receivable indifferent slots 103 in the housing 39 to allow the spacing of thegraphics display 1 from the wall W to be adjusted so that the graphicsdisplay can be angled a desired amount from horizontal according toviewing preference. The brackets 83 also have bottom flanges 107 similarto the top flanges 95 that are received in openings 111 in the bottomportion of the housing 39 (see FIG. 5). The bottom flanges 107 allow thegraphics display 1 to pivot with respect to the connection of the bottomflanges to the housing 39 when the top flanges 95 of the brackets 83 areadjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 the graphics display 1 has a top holder 115 nearthe top of the display between the two side panels 35. In one embodimentthe top holder 115 is a steel angle running the length of the graphicsdisplay. The top holder 115 is mounted between the two side panels 35and has holes for receiving threaded fasteners (e.g., nut 117 and bolt119 fasteners in FIG. 4) to affix the holder to the support 13 and theangled lip 55 of the housing 39. It will be understood that other typesof fasteners or non-threaded fasteners (e.g., rivets) could be usedwithout departing from the scope of this invention. As seen in FIG. 4,the upper edge margins of the backing 13, graphics sheet 21 andretaining cover 29 are positioned between the top holder 115 and theinclined lip 55 of the housing 39, so that tightening of the fastenerswill exert a clamping force that holds the retaining cover in the sheetretaining position holding the graphics sheet against the backing asshown.

As seen in FIG. 10, the support or backing 13 comprises a substantiallyrigid member in the form of a curved plate that has upper notches 123for receiving corresponding threaded fasteners 119 (FIG. 4) affixing thebacking to the top holder 115 and lower notches 127 corresponding withthe holes 75 in the bottom holder 59. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thebacking 13 has a curved forward surface 17 for contacting and supportingone or more of the flexible graphics sheets 21. The backing 13 has acurved rearward surface 71 that has an upper portion held against theangled lip 55 of the housing 39 by the top holder 115 and a lowerportion that contacts the upright surface 67 of the bottom holder 59. Asshown in FIG. 10, the lower portion of the backing 13 has holes 131 forreceiving threaded fasteners (not shown) that connect the backing to thehousing 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the backing (support) 13comprises 24-gauge paint-grip steel but it will be understood that thebacking could comprise other materials and have other thicknesseswithout departing from the scope of this invention. In one embodiment,the backing 13 has a radius of curvature in the range of approximately38 inches to approximately 42 inches (more preferable about 40 inches)to promote easy viewing of the graphics sheet 21.

In the illustrated embodiment, each flexibly resilient retaining cover29 comprises a transparent material and has a top edge margin or portion135 (FIG. 4) in fixed engagement with the top holder 115 and a bottomedge margin or portion 139 (FIG. 5) that is releasably held by thebottom holder 59. The bottom portion 139 of the retaining cover 29 ismovable with respect to the backing 13 so that flexible graphics sheets21 may be inserted between the cover and the backing. As seen in FIG. 2,each retaining cover 29 is movable between a first position away fromthe backing 13 and a sheet retaining position substantially adjacent theforward curved surface 17 of the backing. At the first position, theretaining cover 29 is pivoted so the bottom portion 139 of the cover isspaced away from the backing 13 to permit one or more flexible graphicssheets 21 to be inserted between the retaining cover and backing. At thefirst position, the top edge portion 135 of the retaining cover 29received in the top holder 115 remains clamped against the backing 13and the bottom portion 139 of the cover is spaced away from the backingto allow insertion of the graphics sheet 21. At the sheet retainingposition, the lower edge of the retaining cover 29 is supported on theangled shelf 63 of the bottom holder 59 so that the retaining cover isresiliently flexed to provide a holding force holding the graphics sheet21 against the support 13. As shown in FIG. 5, the shelf 63 of thebottom holder 59 is positioned such that the retaining cover 29 isflexed to apply a clamping force holding the flexible graphics sheet 21against the support 13. The retaining cover 29 is adjustable in the topholder 115 so that cover has the proper length so that the radius ofcurvature of the cover substantially matches the radius of curvature ofthe support 13 when the lower edge of the cover is supported by theangled shelf 63 of the bottom holder 59. The position of the top edgeportion 135 of the cover 29 in the top holder 115 can be adjusted toassure a tight fit of the cover against the flexible graphics sheet 21and support 13.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining cover 29 is a rectangularpanel of a resilient sheet material such as polycarbonate material(e.g., Mylar® or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) having athickness of approximately 0.03 inches. Preferably, the thickness of theretaining cover 29 can be in the range of approximately 0.02 inches toapproximately 0.09 inches. It will be understood that increasing thethickness of the retaining cover 29 correspondingly increases theholding force exerted by the cover in its sheet retaining position. Theretaining cover 29 may have a satin or velvet finish to reduce glare andincrease visibility of the graphics sheet 21. Preferably, the retainingcover 29 may have a radius of curvature in the sheet retaining positionof approximately 36 inches to approximately 44 inches. These dimensionsand materials are exemplary only.

In the illustrated embodiment, the graphics sheet 21 is a sheet of paperhaving printed graphics thereon. The sheet 21 preferably hasconsiderably less thickness than the retaining cover 29 and the backing13 but it will be understood that the graphics sheet could have a largerthickness without departing from the scope of this invention. Theflexible sheet 21 is sized for insertion between the retaining cover 29and the backing 13 so that the graphics printed on the sheet are readilyvisible from the front of the graphics display 1.

The graphics display 1 of the present invention includes a light system25 mounted on the frame 11 of the display. The light system 25 includestwo arms 143, each mounted on a respective side panel 35 of the display1. As shown in FIG. 3, each arm 143 has a substantially horizontalportion 147 attached to a respective side panel 35 and a downwardlyangled forward portion 151 that supports a reflector 155 extendingbetween the arms. As shown in FIG. 6, each reflector 155 houses aballast 159 for attachment to a fluorescent light 163, or other sourceof illumination, and is angled to direct light toward the graphics sheet(or sheets) 21 held in the graphics display 1. The light system 25comprises a power control panel 167 mounted on the top wall 51 of thehousing 39 that comprises a 120 VAC power cord 171 and a 120 VACreceptacle 175 capable of operating between 120 VAC and 277 VAC. Asshown in FIG. 13, the receptacle 171 on the control panel 167 allowsmultiple graphics displays 1 to be mounted adjacent each other on a wallWI having only a single power outlet P. The power cord 171 of a secondgraphics display 1 adjacent a first graphics display electricallyconnected to the power outlet P can plug directly into the receptacle175 on the control panel 167 of the first graphics display. In this way,multiple displays can be connected in daisy-chain fashion even thoughonly one wall outlet may be available.

FIG. 12 shows an angled mounting configuration of the graphics display 1of the present invention. The mounting brackets 83 have been adjusted sothat the top of the display 1 is spaced away from the wall WI to pivotthe display and allow easy viewing of the graphics sheets 21 held in thedisplay.

FIG. 13 shows an assembly of multiple graphics displays 1 mounted sideby side and electrically connected in daisy-chain fashion, with thefirst graphics display 1 being electrically connected to the wall outletP and an adjacent graphics display electrically connected to the powerreceptacle 175 of the first graphics display. As previously discussed,the adjacent side panels 35 of the graphics displays 1 are sized fortelescopic engagement when the graphics display are mounted on the wallso that when multiple graphics displays are mounted side by side thefront flanges 45 of the adjacent side panels can telescope past oneanother when installed. The overlap of the side panels 35 of adjacentdisplays 1 aids in hiding gaps during installation that may result fromirregular mounting surfaces.

The graphics display 1 is manufactured using components (e.g., support13, housing 39 and side panels 25) that are “self-fixturing”, meaningthat during assembly of the display a separate assembly fixture is notneeded. By using self-fixturing components, the graphics display 1 ofthe present invention can be quickly and economically assembled withoutthe need for the time consuming and costly step of manufacturing aseparate assembly fixture to support the components during assembly ofthe graphics display.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, a second embodiment of a graphics displayof the present invention is generally indicated at 200. The secondembodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment except thetop and bottom holders have been modified. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A,the top holder 205 of the graphics display 200 of this embodimentcomprises a metal extrusion having a slot 207 that receives the topportion of the backing 13, the retaining cover (panel) 29 and theflexible graphics sheet 21. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 14B, the bottomholder 209 comprises a metal extrusion having a slot 213 that receivesthe bottom portion of the backing 13 and the bottom portion of theretaining cover 29 and flexible graphics sheet 21 when the retainingcover is positioned in its sheet retaining position. The retaining cover29 has a handle 217 comprising a flap of material attached to the outersurface of the cover for grasping the cover and moving it to its firstposition away from the curved forward surface of the backing 13. Asshown in FIGS. 16A-16F, the handle 217 allows the retaining cover 29 tobe grasped and moved relative to the bottom holder 209 when the cover isbeing moved from its first position away from the backing 13 to itssheet-retaining position or vice versa. When the cover 29 is in itssheet-retaining position (FIG. 16F), the handle 217 rests on the top ofthe bottom holder 209 and extends forward from the holder for graspingto move the cover away from the backing for insertion of the graphicssheet 21 (FIGS. 16A and 16B). As shown in FIGS. 14-14B, the housing 221of this embodiment 200 includes an upper wall or flange 225 having adownwardly turned lip 229 that is received in the top holder 205 and alower wall or flange 233 with an upwardly turned lip 237 that isreceived in the bottom holder 209. As shown in FIG. 15, the lightassembly 241 of this embodiment has a pair of arms 245 that aresubstantially parallel with the upper wall 225 of the housing 221.

FIGS. 16C-16F are sequential views of the graphics display 200 that showthe cover 29 snapping into a holding position against the flexible sheet(menu sheet) 21. In FIG. 16C the cover 29 has been removed from thebottom holder 209 and the flexible sheet 21 has been inserted into thetop holder 205 and bottom holder of the graphics display 200. FIG. 16Dshows the cover 29 moved toward the support 13 and the bottom portion ofthe cover raised for insertion into the bottom holder 209 causing thecover to be bowed over center away from the concave surface of thesupport. FIG. 16E shows the bottom portion of the cover 29 received inthe bottom holder 209 and the amount of outward curvature of the coverreduced but the cover still bowed outward away from the concave surfaceof the support 13. To progress from FIG. 16E to the holding position ofFIG. 16F, a pushing force is applied to the outwardly flexed cover 29(indicated by arrow A in FIG. 16E) to snap the cover overcenter to theholding position where the cover conforms to the concave surface of thesupport 13. At the holding position of FIG. 16F, the flexible sheet 21is held in place against the support 13 by the holding force created bythe resilient flexing of the cover 29 to conform to the support.

FIGS. 17-19 show a third embodiment of a graphics display 267 of thepresent invention similar to the graphics display 1 of the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, and corresponding parts are designated bycorresponding reference numbers. In the third embodiment, each graphicssheet 21 comprises a flexible sheet such as a sheet of paper laminatedwith a plastic coating, and the cover sheet 29 of the first embodimentis replaced by upper and lower retaining members 251, 253 extendingalong respective upper and lower edge margins of the graphics sheet(s)for holding the graphics sheet(s) against the curved support 13. Theupper retaining member 251 is held between the top holder 115 and thesupport 13 by the threaded fasteners 119. In the illustrated embodiment,the lower edge of the upper retaining member 251 may be bent to providea handle 257 for manipulating the retaining member away from the support13 for insertion of the graphics sheet 21 between the retaining memberand the support. The upper retaining member 251 provides a clampingforce pressing the graphics sheets against the curved support 13 toretain the graphics sheet in the display 267. The lower retaining member253 is spaced away from the upright back surface 67 of the bottom holder59 to provide a slot 255 for receiving the bottom portion of thegraphics sheet 21 and the backing 13. The retaining member 253 issuitably fastened (e.g., by welding) to the shelf 63 of the bottomholder 59. The upper and lower retaining members 251, 253 could beeliminated entirely without departing from the scope of this invention.

As seen in FIGS. 20-24, the graphics display 1 of the present inventionmay have a moveable light system, generally designated 269, that allowsthe light system to be positioned for storage and transport of thedisplay. It will be understood that the moveable light system 269 couldbe installed on any of the embodiments of the graphics display describedherein. In the illustrated embodiment, the light system 269 includes alight holder assembly, generally indicated 271, comprising the two arms143, reflector 155 and ballasts 159. The light holder assembly 271 holdsthe source of illumination (fluorescent light 163) and is moveablebetween an operative position shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 and a collapsedposition shown in FIGS. 20 (in phantom), 22 and 24 (in phantom).

As seen in FIG. 21, each arm 143 of the moveable light system 269comprises a forward slider 275 and a rearward slider 279 that areconnected to the horizontal portion 147 of each arm and are received ina slot 285 in a respective side panel 35 of the frame 11. In oneembodiment, each slider 275, 279 is in the form of a threaded fastener(e.g., screw) having a head larger than the width of the slot 285 and athreaded shank having a threaded connection with a respective arm 143 ofthe light holder assembly 271. The screws 275, 279 are configured on thearms 143 such that the screws can be tightened to secure the arms 143 ina fixed position relative to the side panels 35 and loosened to enableeach arm to be moved relative to the side panels to a position in whicheach rearward screw 279 functions as a pivot allowing each arm to swingdown to its collapsed position and then re-tightened to secure the armin that position. Other arrangements for pivotally mounting the arms 143on the respective side panels 35 are also possible.

Each slot 285 in the side panels 35 has closed front and back ends andan opening 291 between the ends of the slot that allows the forwardslider 275 to be removed from the slot when moving the light system 269to the collapsed position. Both sliders 275, 279 could be removed fromthe slot 285 through opening 291 to detach the light system 269 from thegraphics display 1. In the operative position of FIGS. 20 and 21, theforward slider 275 is received in a front portion of the slot 285 andthe rearward slider 279 is received in a rear portion of the slot withboth sliders being tightened to lock the light system 25 so that thelight 163 is positioned for illumination of the menu sheet(s) 21 held inthe graphics display 267.

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate movement of the light system 269 from theoperative position (FIG. 23A) to the collapsed position (FIG. 23C). Onlyone arm 143 is shown in FIGS. 23A-23C but it will be understood that theother arm of the light system 269 also pivots in identical fashion toallow the light system to be moved from the operative position to thecollapsed position. In the operative position of FIG. 23A, each slider275, 279 on the arm 143 is loosened to allow the sliders to be free tomove in the slot 285 of the side panel 35. As shown in FIG. 23B, the arm143 is moved in a rearward direction toward the back of the graphicsdisplay 1 so that the forward slider 275 is positioned below the opening291 and the arm is pivoted upward to remove the forward slider from theslot 285. Once the forward slider 275 is removed from the slot 285 asshown in FIG. 23C, the arm 143 is moved forward until the rearwardslider 279 is received in the front portion of the slot. With therearward slider 279 in the front portion of the slot 285, the arm 143 ispivoted downward on the frame 11 to swing the light system 269 to thecollapsed position where the forward slider 275 of the arm contacts thefront surface of the side panel 35. The rearward slider 279 held in theslot 285 can be tightened to lock the arm 143 in the collapsed positionfor storage and transport of the graphics display 1.

FIGS. 25-27 show a second embodiment of a moveable light system,generally designated 301. As with the moveable light system 269described above, the light system 301 could be installed on any of theembodiments of the graphics display described herein. The light system301 is substantially similar to the light system 269 in that the systemincludes the light holder assembly 271 that comprises the two arms 143,reflector 155 and ballasts 159 that cooperate to hold the source ofillumination (fluorescent light 163). As in the previous embodiment, thelight holder assembly 271 is moveable between an operative positionshown in FIG. 25 and a collapsed position shown in FIGS. 26B and 27 (inphantom). The arms 143 of the light system 301 each have a single slider(screw) 307 that is received in a closed slot 311 in a respective sidepanel 35. The slider 307 is substantially similar to the sliders 275,279 of the previous embodiment in that the slider 307 has a head largerthan the width of the slot and a threaded shank having a threadedconnection with the arm. As best seen in FIGS. 27, 27A, and 27B, thelight system 301 includes modified top brackets 315 that connect theside panels 35 to the frame 11 of the graphics display 1. The topbrackets 315 each comprise a channel 319 that receives the rear portionof a respective arm 143 to hold the arm in the operative position. Itwill be understood that the channel 319 may be a separate partunattached to the top bracket 315 without departing from the scope ofthis invention. Each channel 319 restricts pivotal movement of therespective arm 143 received therein to hold the light system 301 in itsoperative position. The screws 307 are configured on the arms 143 suchthat the screws can be tightened to secure the arms 143 in a fixedposition relative to the side panels 35, and loosened to enable each armto be removed from the channel 319 to a position in which each screwfunctions as a pivot allowing each arm to swing down to its collapsedposition and then re-tightened to secure the arm in that position.

As shown in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 27, the light system 301 may be movedfrom the operative position to the collapsed position by withdrawing thearms 143 from the channels 319. The slider 307 of each arm 143 may beloosened to allow the arm to slide forward in the channel 319. As thearm 143 is withdrawn from the channel 319 the slider 307 slides forwardin slot 311. When each arm 143 is completely withdrawn from itsrespective channel 319, the arms are pivoted downward about the sliders307 that are retained in the slots 311 of a respective side panels 35 toposition the light system 301 in the collapsed position. After rotatingthe arms downward to the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 26B and 27(in phantom), the light system 301 may be locked in this position bytightening the slider 307 of each arm 143. It will be understood thatthe light system 301 of the present invention allows simplified movementof the light holder assembly 271 to the collapsed position by allowingthe arms 143 to be withdrawn from the channels 319 in a singledirectional movement that allows the holder to be free to pivot downwardon the frame about the slider 307 held in the slot 311.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. A graphics display comprising: a support having a curved forwardsurface for supporting one or more flexible sheets having graphicsdepicted thereon; and at least one generally transparent flexiblyresilient retaining cover mounted for movement between a first positionaway from the support to permit said one or more flexible sheets to bepositioned on said curved forward surface and a sheet retaining positionin which the at least one cover is resiliently flexed to have aconfiguration in which it holds the one or more flexible sheets againstthe curved forward surface of the support.
 2. The graphic display as setforth in claim 1 further comprising at least one holder releasablyholding said at least one cover in the said sheet-retaining position. 3.The graphic display set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least oneholder comprises a top and bottom holder.
 4. The graphic display setforth in claim 3 wherein said top holder is attached to said support andreceives an upper edge margin of the retaining cover.
 5. The graphicdisplay set forth in claim 4 wherein said top holder applies a force toclamp the retaining cover against the support.
 6. The graphic displayset forth in claim 5 wherein said top holder comprises a metal angle. 7.The graphics display set forth in claim 5 wherein said top holdercomprises a metal extrusion.
 8. The graphic display set forth in claim 3wherein said bottom holder comprises an angled shelf for holding theflexibly resilient retaining cover in said sheet retaining position. 9.The graphics display as set forth in claim 3 wherein said bottom holdercomprises a metal extrusion.
 10. The graphic display as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said support has at least one opening in it for manuallypushing the at least one retaining cover from said sheet-retainingposition toward said first position.
 11. The graphic display as setforth in claim 1 further comprising said one or more flexible sheetssupported by said support.
 12. The graphic display as set forth in claim1 further comprising a frame for mounting said support on a wall, and alight system on the frame for illuminating the one or more sheets. 13.The graphics display as set forth in claim 12 wherein said light systemcomprises a source of illumination and a light holder for holding saidsource of illumination, said light holder being mounted on the frame formovement between an operative position in which said source ofillumination is positioned for illuminating said one or more sheets, anda collapsed position for storage and transport of the display.
 14. Thegraphics display as set forth in claim 13 wherein said light holder ispivoted on the frame for swinging between said operative and collapsedpositions.
 15. A graphics display comprising: a support having a curvedforward surface for supporting one or more graphics sheets havinggraphics thereon; and at least one holder for holding said one or moregraphics sheets in a curved configuration in which the one or moregraphics sheets are in contact with the curved forward surface of thesupport.
 16. The graphics display as set forth in claim 15 wherein saidat least one holder comprises upper and lower retaining members forholding said one or more graphics sheets against the support.
 17. Thegraphics display as set forth in claim 16 wherein said upper retainingmember provides a clamping force holding the one or more graphics sheetsagainst the curved support.
 18. The graphics display as set forth inclaim 17 wherein said upper retaining member includes a handle formanipulating the upper retaining member away from the support forinsertion of the one or more graphics sheets between the retainingmember and the support.
 19. The graphics display as set forth in claim16 wherein said lower retaining member is spaced away from the supportto define a slot for receiving a bottom portion of the one or moregraphics sheets.
 20. The graphics display as set forth in claim 15further comprising a frame for mounting said support on a wall, and alight system on the frame for illuminating the one or more graphicssheets.
 21. The graphics display as set forth in claim 20 wherein saidlight system comprises a source of illumination and a light holder forholding said source of illumination, said light holder being mounted onthe frame for movement between an operative position in which saidsource of illumination is positioned for illuminating said one or moregraphics sheets, and a collapsed position for storage and transport ofthe display.
 22. The graphics display as set forth in claim 21 whereinsaid light holder is pivoted on the frame for swinging between saidoperative and collapsed positions.
 23. A graphics display comprising: asupport having a curved forward surface for supporting one or moregraphics sheets having graphics thereon; a frame for mounting saidsupport on a wall; and a light system mounted on the frame forilluminating said one or more graphics sheets, the light system beingmoveable between an operative position in which the light system ispositioned for illuminating said one or more graphics sheets and acollapsed position for storage and transport of the graphics display.24. The graphics display as set forth in claim 23 wherein said lightsystem comprises a source of illumination and a light holder for holdingsaid source of illumination.
 25. The graphics display as set forth inclaim 24 wherein said light holder comprises two arms operativelyconnected to the frame.
 26. The graphics display as set forth in claim25 wherein said light holder comprises at least one slider operativelyconnected to each of said two arms and slidably received in a slot inthe frame.
 27. The graphics display as set forth in claim 26 whereinsaid at least one slider comprises two sliders connected to each of saidtwo arms.
 28. The graphics display as set forth in claim 27 wherein atleast one of said two sliders acts as a pivot to allow pivotal movementof the light system between said operative and collapsed positions. 29.The graphics display as set forth in claim 26 further comprising twochannels each adapted to receive a respective one of said two arms. 30.The graphics display as set forth in claim 29 wherein said arms arereceived in respective channels when the light system is in saidoperative position of the light system thereby to restrict pivotalmovement of the light system.
 31. The graphics display as set forth inclaim 29 wherein said at least one slider acts as a pivot to allowpivotal movement of the light system between said operative andcollapsed positions when each arm is withdrawn from a respectivechannel.
 32. A graphics display comprising: a support having a curvedforward surface for supporting one or more graphics sheets havinggraphics depicted thereon; and a frame for mounting said support on awall, the frame comprising a housing and at least one mounting bracketadjustable on the housing for mounting the housing at different anglesof tilt to facilitate viewing of the one or more graphics sheets. 33.The graphics display as set forth in claim 32 wherein said housingcomprises a top wall having a plurality of slots therein and saidmounting bracket comprises a top flange receivable in a selected one ofsaid plurality of slots to adjust the angle at which said one or moregraphics sheets are viewed.
 34. The graphics display as set forth inclaim 33 wherein said housing comprises a bottom wall having an openingand said mounting bracket comprises a bottom flange received in theopening in the bottom wall to form a pivot connection allowing thegraphics display to pivot when the top flange is adjusted.
 35. Thegraphics display as set forth in claim 32 further comprising at leastone generally transparent flexibly resilient retaining cover mounted formovement between a first position away from the support and a sheetretaining position in which the at least one cover is resiliently flexedfor holding the one or more flexible sheets against the curved forwardsurface of the support.
 36. The graphics display as set forth in claim32 further comprising upper and lower retaining members for holding saidone or more graphics sheets against the support.
 37. An assemblycomprising: a first graphics display having a support for supporting oneor more flexible sheets having graphics depicted thereon, and a framefor mounting the first graphics display on a wall; a second graphicsdisplay having a support for supporting one or more flexible sheetshaving graphics depicted thereon, and a frame for mounting the secondgraphics display on the wall generally adjacent the first graphicsdisplay; wherein the frame of the first graphics display and the frameof the second graphics display comprise respective side panels that areconfigured to telescope relative to one another upon mounting of thefirst and second graphics displays side by side on the wall.
 38. Theassembly set forth in claim 37 wherein each respective side panel of thefirst and second graphics display has a front flange adapted totelescope relative to one another upon mounting of the first and secondgraphics displays side by side on the wall.
 39. The assembly set forthin claim 37 wherein the first and second graphics displays each comprisea respective light system for illuminating the graphics on said one ormore flexible sheets, the first graphics display being electricallyconnected to a wall outlet and the second graphics displays beingelectrically connected to the first graphics display so that electricalpower from the wall outlet powers the respective light systems toilluminate the first and second graphics displays.